Hi I’m Helen. I have been working as a speech and language therapist for 3 years. Previously I was a teaching assistant for children with special needs. I enjoy yoga and going out with my friends

I’m Olivia. I have been a speech and language therapy assistant for 2 years and I joined Southfield in September 2022. I enjoy painting and drawing.

Hi, I’m Katie. I have been qualified as a speech and language therapist since 2022 and I have recently joined the Southfield team. I enjoy dancing and kayaking.

All 3 members of the team work at Southfield 2 days a week. 

My name is Ruth Goodman, I am a practicing artist and art therapist. Prior to completing my Masters in art therapy, I worked in primary education as a teacher and adviser.

Art therapy is an intervention that offers an opportunity for self-expression. Art can be a method of communication for young people who may find it hard to express their thoughts and feelings verbally. It gives a voice to young people who are non-verbal or have language limitations, enabling them to express themselves in a safe space with a regulating therapist. Art therapists work with a broad range of art materials that provide opportunities for creative expression, sensory exploration and problem solving without restriction or fear of judgement. The creative process gives a sense of accomplishment, building self-esteem and self-awareness on an individual level. It engages both the body and mind. It can lead to self-discovery of emotions and help young people to work through troubling issues in order to facilitate positive change.

I’m Megan McHugh and I am part of The Mental Health Support Team in SEN Schools (MHST) working as a mental health practitioner. The MHST is an early intervention service supporting children and young people with anxiety, low mood, behaviours which challenge, and emotion regulation. We offer proactive and preventative support which can be delivered as 1.1 sessions. groups, and workshops. Our support if delivered to both children and parents / carers. If you are interested in support from The MHST you can discuss a referral being made to the team with staff at Southfield. We work closely with Southfield to provide wellbeing support as part of the ‘Whole School Approach’, which emphasises the importance of all students accessing wellbeing support at school.

I have worked with children with learning disabilities for over 20 years in various settings and I have been a Play Therapist at Southfield’s since 2017.

I have a post graduate diploma in Play Therapy and support children who are not realising their full potential. These children may have emotional, behavioural or social difficulties, or have struggled with difficult experiences. As a play therapist I help children to tell their story, make sense of their experiences, thoughts and feelings and develop coping mechanisms, build self-esteem, confidence and resilience.

Fun Fact: I love to do silly dancing in my living room to very loud music

Welwyn and Hatfield schools partnership- Kim Bates

Kim Bates is the Southfield link to the Welwyn and Hatfield schools partnership team.

Kim’s role in school is to provide support, advice and information to the families within our school community.  She can help you with any worries that you may have in relation to your child's education, behaviour and wellbeing. She is also here as someone to talk to if you need it.

Kim can meet with you at home or in school at a time to suit you.  Advice and support is confidential although concerns relating to the safeguarding of children will always be dealt with in accordance with the school's Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy.  

Support for pupils includes:

• promoting good attendance and punctuality
• promoting self-esteem and confidence
• promoting positive behaviour and positive attitudes towards learning
• providing one-to-one support

Support for families includes:

• providing information and signposting to other services in the local area
• liaising with a range of external services such as Housing and Social Care
• assistance in completing paperwork and forms e.g. housing, special educational needs, school places and benefits
• attendance and support at school and other agency meetings
• advice and support in promoting positive behaviour at home
• guidance with career and personal development and access to training and workshops in school.

If you would like to come along and see Kim, please speak Sarah Lettis, Southfield Family Liaison Officer. Kim can also be contacted directly on 07432 364475.  Also, keep an eye on the Welwyn Garden City and Hatfield School Partnership Facebook page for details of new courses and support groups and on their website. The link is below.

https://wgc-hatfield-schoolspartnership.com/